Thanksgiving is over and the Turkey/Ham/Pies are a thing of the past, however eventhough the school was closed for the Thanksgiving week, which has made it difficult for Grad Nite Live to unload the truck, organize and distribute the pies, but not this year...this year we had a great turnout of adults (mothers, grandmothers and just helpers) plus 30 Senior boys and girs that started coming in at 7:30 to unload. We had everything packaged up by 11AM ready to be picked up or delivered.. I truly appreciate all the help we had and especially all the people that bought pies and gave money for donations so thanks again. Mrs Chaney, April and Sean Hastings and all the Pie Committee people.

Sarah Hanson, left, a member of the 2020 Vision Civic Pride Committee and a friend take time to keep the downtown planters clear of trash and maintained in front of new business âCourtyard AtticâEnlarge Photo

Fillmore Fire Department responded to an incident at the Fillmore Foursquare Church Friday, November 23 at approximately 10:15pm. An overhead light ballast began to smoke, setting off the smoke alarm. No fire was present, no damage to property.Enlarge Photo

The Annual Fillmore Christmas Parade is this Saturday! At 1pm the parade will proceed down Central Ave starting in front of the Library, down Central Ave. to Santa Clara Street.

Santa will be available for pictures after the parade. Bring your own camera to the train depot and get a free photo (Before Santa heads back to his workshop).

During the Parade, Central Ave. will be closed to all traffic between 1 and 3pm. The Fillmore Lions Club appreciates the cooperation and patience of all our neighbors for this event.

Registration for Parade entries begins at 11:30 in front of the memorial building. Parade staging will be on Central Ave. from Second to Fourth Street. For registration information, please call Bob Klittich, at 524-2123 or Bill Dewey at 524-4457.

The Fillmore Lions Club is proud to sponsor the Annual Christmas Parade for Fillmore. The parade is open to entry by any group with a âseasonalâ themed entry. There is never a fee for the parade.

âEvery year the parade has grown and this year looks to the best yet!â Courtesy Bob Klittich, Parade chairman.

Santa Paula/Fillmore, CA â As Troop Real Estate, Inc. companywide provided thousands of Thanksgiving meals to Ventura Countyâs needy recently, the drive received a major boost from the firmâs Santa Paula and Fillmore offices, which delivered turkey dinners for 760 people through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley

Scott Dunbar, manager of the offices, reports that the Thanksgiving turkeys and all the trimmings, part of Troopâs 13th Annual âTurkey-A-Thonâ, were divided in equally between the Santa Paula and Fillmore Boys and Girls Clubs.

âWe received huge contributions from both the community at large and the Rotary Club of Santa Paula, in addition to a host of our own Troop agents and associates. All of these people worked diligently to raise the money needed to secure these meals. The positive result brought smiles to a lot of young people and made their Thanksgiving, as well as ours, brighter,â said Scott Dunbar, manager of the Troop offices.

Dunbar reported that overall Troopâs âTurkey-A-Thonâ fed nearly 2500 families, or approximately 20,000 people, throughout Ventura County just prior to Thanksgiving. This included 500 military families at the SeeBee base in Port Hueneme.

âOver the years, our âTurkey-A-Thonâ has fed over 150,000 needy individuals throughout the county working in concert with local food pantries, charities, and organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, which we focus on. Each year, these organizations look forward to and express genuine gratitude for the work we do,â Dunbar said.

VENTURA, CA - During the month of December, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) will reduce pet adoption fees at its Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters to encourage local residents to adopt stray animals at the holidays.

From Dec. 1 â 30, dog and cat adoption fees will be lowered to $60 during the VCAS âTake Me Home for the Holidaysâ pet adoption event. The regular pet adoption fee is $125.

âWe ask people to open their hearts and home to a new pet this holiday seasonâ said Donna Gillesby, interim VCAS director. âFor an individual or family that is looking for a new pet, there is no better feeling than adopting a homeless animal. The gratitude you feel from that pet will last all year round!â

At the November 27th luncheon meeting in the Fillmore Memorial Building the ladies of Ebell will be entertained by Mr. Tom Hackney, an accomplished piano player and musician.

Tom is a local young man living most of his life in the Fillmore area, graduating from Piru elementary, Fillmore High and UC Santa Barbara. He received most of his musical skills from his mother who was a extraordinary pianist and teacher. Both his parents were musicians of the highest degree and Tom and his 3 brothers continue the legacy. Tom is a member of the Rasberry Jam, a jazz band of the 1920's and 30's who play at many venues in Ventura County. On weekends you can find him and his brother Pat playing in Santa Barbara.

He will be playing selections of Jazz and the American Songbook for the ladies.

To join the ladies for lunch and this terrific program call Lavone Deeter 524-2090. Lunch starts at 12:30pm - cost is $12.00 program to start about 1:30pm

HO! HO! HO! The SANTA TRAIN is coming! To experience one of Southern Californiaâs most unique arrivals of Santa introducing the Christmas Season this year, bring your family to one of four stops along the route in Ventura County. Santa will be riding the rails from Montalvo in East Ventura to Fillmore on Saturday night, November 24, 2012. Come one, Come All, Greet Santa as he stops in your neighborhood. Santa will be riding aboard the Fillmore & Western Railway Co. Santa Train, powered by a Baldwin 1913 vintage steam locomotive, the #14. This year the train is sponsored by the California Locomotive Preserve, a 501 C3, nonprofit organization and several other generous Ventura County businesses and organizations including The Rotary Club of Fillmore, OST, Fillmore Volunteer Fire Fighter Foundation, Ventura County Sheriffâs Association, the Ventura County Transportation Commission and Metrolink. Santaâs first stop will be at the Montalvo Metrolink Platform in East Ventura at 5:00pm. After a 20 minute visit with children and their families, the train will continue east and stop about 300 feet east of the Bristol Street & Montgomery Street (Northbank pedestrian crossing) intersection at approximately 5:30pm for a 30 minute visit. Next stop at approximately 6:10pm will be in Saticoy at Alelia Street until approx. 6:40pm. Santa will distribute goodies from our sponsors to children at every stop, and asks kids of every age to bring their âChristmas Wish Listsâ to fill his mailbag.

The holiday season is a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people are often preoccupied, and may become the target of criminals.

A little bit of awareness can go a long way to prevent being the victim of criminal activity. We encourage you to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors.

Holiday Tips At Home
â˘ Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
â˘ When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
â˘ Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
â˘ Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
â˘ Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
â˘ When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
â˘ Be sure your CONTINUED »

Ventura, CA - VISTA bus riders are used to connectivity from stop to stop; and soon, that connectivity will merge with the information superhighway. Free wireless Internet has been activated, the Ventura County Transportation Commission announced during their last Commission meeting in Camarillo.

âWe are very excited to offer this much-requested popular service, which can make your commute not just enjoyable, but highly productive as well,â noted VCTC Executive Director Darren Kettle. âThis is a tremendous benefit for riders, who can now stay connected with family, friends, news, and information, while riding.â

Free wireless Internet will be available starting Tuesday, November 20. A password is not needed to access the onboard network. All 30 buses in the new VISTA fleet will be equipped with wireless Internet.

For more information regarding the VISTA bus, visit www.goventura.org or call (800) 438-1112.

As many of you know, a portion of MHSA funds were held at the State level for 'initiative-specific' Statewide Projects. These projects include Suicide Prevention, Stigma Reduction and School-based MH Initiatives.

We want to make you aware of the state-wide media campaign focused on Suicide Prevention that is being launched this month through the CalMHSA Statewide Prevention & Early Intervention efforts. The Know the Signs campaign will be publicized in magazines, online, on billboards, television and cable channels between November and February 2013 and will reach every county throughout the State of California.

The campaign is intended to prepare the public to prevent suicide by directing them to the website: www.suicideispreventable.org and encouraging the public to know the warning signs for suicide, find the words to offer help to someone they are concerned about, and reach out to local resources.

The local resources that are listed on the website for Ventura County include: The Ventura County Crises Team, Children's Intensive Response Team (CIRT) and 211. In addition, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which is coordinated out of Los Angeles is also listed as a resource.

We will continue to keep you informed as additional components to the Statewide Projects are implemented. As always, thank you for your continued support and dedication to the community we all serve.

Sacramento, CA â With the Thanksgiving holiday just days away, CAL FIRE is reminding Californians about the dangers that home fires pose during the holiday season. Holidays are a time of food, fun and festivities; but they are also a time to be extra cautious as thousands of home fires across the nation are caused from holiday cooking.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays, but it is also where most fires start. Cooking is the leading cause of fires in homes. It is important to be especially alert of your cooking activities when your family and guests are around.

âThanksgiving Day is often the day of the year when we respond to the most home cooking fires,â said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. âItâs really important that everyone practice a little extra fire safety this Thanksgiving to help prevent a cooking fire.â

To help reduce the chance of fire and injuries associated with holiday cooking fires, CAL FIRE would like to offer the following tips:

Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove. Never leave cooking food on the stove unattended.
If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Food preparation and cooking should always be supervised by an adult.
When using a turkey fryer, be sure to follow instructions closely. Donât exceed the recommended oil level and only use the device outdoors!
Make sure a fire extinguisher is handy at all times. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
Ensure that smoke alarms are installed and working.

". . . it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor . . . . that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be . . . and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions . .
."
George Washington 1789

"As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of the morality and piety, without which social happiness cannot exist, nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed . . ."
". . . of his infinite Grace, through the redeemer of the world, freely to remit all our offenses, and to incline us, by his holy spirit, to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favor and heavenly benediction . . ."
". . . the duties of humiliation and prayer be accompanied by fervent Thanksgiving to the bestower of every good gift . . ."
John Adams 1798

"Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise . . . the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory. Therefore Resolved . . . a day of public and solemn THANKSGIVING to Almighty God, for his mercies, and of PRAYER, for the continuance of this favor and protection to these United States . . . and spread the light of christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth... That he would in mercy look down upon us, pardon all our sins, and receive us into his favor; and finally, that he would establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue .
. ."
Thomas Jefferson (then Governor) 1779

"To these bounties,!--break--> which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are so extraordinary in nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God."
"No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy."
"To set apart . . . a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."
Abraham Lincoln 1863, 1864

"I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, do hereby recommend . .
. a day of national thanksgiving to the Creator of the Universe for these great deliverances and blessings. And I do further recommend that on that occasion the whole people make confession of our national sins against His infinite goodness, and with one heart and one mind implore the divine guidance in the ways of national virtue and holiness."
". . . by whose everwatchful, merciful, and gracious providence alone states and nations, no less than families and individual men, do live and move and have their being."
Andrew Johnson, 1865 -1868

"It becomes a people thus favored to make acknowledgment to the Supreme Author from whom such blessings flow of their gratitude and their dependence, to render praise and thanksgiving for the same, and devoutly to implore a continuance of God's mercies."
". . . public worship and to unite in the homage and praise due to the bountiful Father of All Mercies and in fervent prayer for the continuance of the manifold blessings he has vouchsafed to us as a people."
Ulysses S. Grant, 1869

". . . the sentiments of sympathy and Christian charity by virtue of which we are one united people. . . . as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Him who holds the nations in the hollow of His hand. I recommend that they gather in their several places of worship and devoutly give Him thanks for the prosperity wherewith He has endowed us. . ."
William McKinley, 1900

". . .that our hearts may be roused to war steadfastly for good and against all the forces of evil, public and private. We pray for strength and light, so that in the coming years we may with cleanliness, fearlessness, and wisdom, do our allotted work on the earth in such manner as to show that we are not altogether unworthy of the blessings we have received."
"We speak of what has been done by this nation in no spirit of boastfulness or vainglory, but with full and reverent realization that our strength is as nothing unless we are helped from above."
". . . our people should set apart a day for praise and thanksgiving to the Giver of Good, and at the same time that they express their thankfulness for the abundant mercies received should manfully acknowledge their shortcomings and pledge themselves solemnly and in good faith to strive to overcome them."
". . . in material well-being we have thus abounded, we owe it to the Almighty to show equal progress in moral and spiritual things."
"Nowhere else in the world is there such an opportunity for a free people to develop to the fullest extent all its powers of body, of mind, and of that which stands above body and mind - character. Much has been given us from on high, and much will rightly be expected of us in return."
Theodore Roosevelt, 1903 -1908

"Our country has many causes for thanksgiving. We have been blest with distinctive evidence of divine favor."
Herbert Hoover, 1930

"More greatly have we turned our hearts and minds to things spiritual. We can truly say, 'What profiteth it a nation if it gain the whole world and lose its own soul?' With gratitude in our hearts for what has already been achieved, may we, with the help of God, dedicate ourselves anew to work for the betterment of mankind."
"In our deepest natures, in our very souls, we, like all mankind since the earliest origin of mankind, turn to God in time of trouble and in time of happiness. 'In God We Trust.'"
Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1934-38

"Again I ask all my countrymen to appeal to the Most High, that the God of our Fathers who has blessed this land beyond all others will in His infinite mercy grant to all nations that peace which the world cannot give."
Harry S. Truman, 1950

"For the courage and vision of our forebears . . . for the unity of spirit which has made our country strong; and for the continuing faith under His guidance that has kept us a religious people with freedom of worship for all, we should kneel in humble thanksgiving."
"May we lift up our hearts in special prayers of gratitude for the abundance of our endowments . . . and for the religious faith which has wielded such a beneficent influence upon our destiny."
"It is also fitting at this season that we should consider God's providence to us throughout our entire history. . . .let us pray this year not only in the spirit of thanksgiving but also as suppliants for God's guidance, to the end that we may follow the course of righteousness and be worthy of His favor. . . . give thanks to God and prayerful contemplation to those eternal truths and universal principles of Holy Scripture which have inspired such measure of true greatness as this Nation has achieved."
". . . recall that our leaders throughout the succeeding generations have relied upon Almighty God for vision and strength of purpose . . . . and let us ask God's continuing help and guidance in our conduct, both as individuals and as a Nation."
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953 - 1957

"Let us observe this day with reverence and with prayer that will rekindle in us the will and show us the way not only to preserve our blessings, but also extend them to the four corners of the earth."
"Let us renew that spirit by offering our thanks for uncovenanted mercies, beyond our desert or merit, and by resolving to meet the responsibilities placed upon us."
". . . let us earnestly and humbly pray that He will continue to guide and sustain us . . ."
John F. Kennedy 1961- 1963

"From Moses at the Red Sea to Jesus preparing to feed the multitudes, the Scriptures summon us to words and deeds of gratitude, even before divine blessings are fully perceived. From Washington kneeling at Valley Forge to the prayer of an astronaut circling the moon, our own history repeats that summons and proves its practicality. . . ."Take heart! Give thanks! To see clearly about us is to rejoice; and to rejoice is to worship the Father; and to worship Him is to receive more blessings still.'"

"Time has not dimmed, nor circumstance diminished the need for God's hand in all that America may justly endeavor. In times of trial and of triumph that single truth reasserts itself, and a people who have never bowed before men go gladly to their knees in submission to divine power, and in thanks for divine sustenance."
Richard Nixon, 1972-1973

"Thanksgiving . . . . is a time when the differences of a diverse people are forgotten and all Americans join in giving thanks to God for the blessings we share - the blessings of freedom, opportunity and abundance that make America so unique."
Gerald R. Ford, 1974

" . . . a day when all Americans could join together and express their gratitude for God's providence 'with united hearts.'"

"I ask all Americans to give thanks on that day for the blessings Almighty God has bestowed upon us, and seek to be good stewards of what we have received."
Jimmy Carter, 1977 - 1979

"Thanksgiving . . . has served as a singular expression of the transcending spiritual values that played an instrumental part in the founding of our country."

" 'Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks,' the Psalmist sang, praising God not only for the 'wondrous works' of His creation, but for loving guidance and deliverance from dangers."

"Rooted deeply in our Judeo-Christian heritage, the practice of offering thanksgiving underscores our unshakable belief in God as the foundation of our Nation and our firm reliance upon Him from Whom all blessings flow.
Both as individuals and as a people, we join with the Psalmist in song and
praise: 'Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good.'"

"And let us ever be mindful of the faith and spiritual values that have made our Nation great and that alone can keep us great."

"Acknowledgment of dependence on God's favor was, in fact, our fledgling Nation's very first order of business."
Ronald Reagan, 1981 - 1987

"Sharing in God's blessings is at the heart of Thanksgiving and at the core of the American spirit."
William J. Clinton, 2000

"Our founders thanked the Almighty and humbly sought His wisdom and blessing. May we always live by that same trust, and may God continue to watch over and bless the United States of America."

"On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge that all of these things and life itself, come from Almighty God."
George W. Bush 2003-2004

"...we lift our hearts in gratitude to God for our many blessings, for one another, and for our Nation."
Barack Obama 2010

About two hundred Piru children and their families flocked to a good old-fashioned Haunted House created at the Piru Community Center on Halloween night, enjoying games, free hot dogs and candy treats.

A partnership of Piru Neighborhood Council members and community volunteers created the colorful maze of ghostly pirates, witches, giant spiders, skeletons, bat caves and a glowing pumpkin patch. Even a headless horseman made an appearance, scaring those brave enough to walk through the cavernous Community Center room. Children in their trick-or-treat costumes walked past the scarecrow corner and laughed or cried when a blast of compressed air hit their legs. Bloodcurdling screams were heard as volunteers dressed as skull men, goblins and other apparitions jumped up to scare teens and adults rounding the corners of the maze.

It was all for a good cause, according to organizers Fredy Galan and Luanne Schaper, since many of the participants paid a small donation to help the children of Piru. The proceeds from the Haunted House will go towards the purchase of books to be donated to students attending Piru Elementary School.

Grad Nite Liveâs Marie Callender Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser: Pies will be ready to be picked up at the Veterns Memorial Bldg. Tuesday, Nov. 20th, noon to 4pm. If you have requested to have your pies delivered , they will be delivered during this time. Thank you for your orders and your continued support of Grad Nite Live. Any questions please call Mrs. Chaney @ 524-4909 or 407-5759. ALSO: Parents, friends and all people that are helping the Senior Class students with their Pie Fundraiser. Because school is not in session the week of Thanksgiving we donât have the help of students. If your Senior wants to be at the Memorial Bldg to unload the truck of pies and help with bagging the pies (approx 7-8 hours) we will give you your ticket to the Harbor Boat Cruise. Please call Mrs. Chaney and make arrangements 524-4909 or 407-5759.

Fillmore Family Coalition in partnership with the Ventura County Public Health, Tobacco Education Program is excited to announce its tobacco merchant education campaign for retailers in the City of Fillmore. With support from the Fillmore City Council and Fillmore Sheriffâs Department, Fillmore Family Coalition members along with Tobacco Education Program staff are planning to visit all tobacco retailers in Fillmore.

Did you know? According to Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (2012) 90% of smokers began at or before the age of 18. Given current smoking rates, 596,000 youth alive in California will ultimately die from smoking*. The best way to prevent this is to limit the access youth have to tobacco products. Regardless of the fact that for over 100 years it has been illegal to sell tobacco products to minors, youth still state they find it easy to purchase tobacco products.

These educational visits will serve to empower businesses to make an impact on the health of our communityâs youth. During these visits, business owners will be informed of current tobacco laws and information on how to reduce tobacco access to minors. Businesses will also be given a packet of educational materials and state issued tobacco signage.

Anyone interested in joining these efforts or would like more information please contact John Ford at 805.340.7335.

The Annual Toy Drive Sponsored by City of Fillmore Fire Department is underway! Unwrapped toy donations are currently being accepted at Fillmore Fire Station 91 located at 711 Sespe Place, Fillmore. All residents who donate a new unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more, or make a $10 cash donation will receive a ticket for one BBQ chicken dinner. The BBQ will take place on Sunday December 16th, 2012 between the hours of 4:30PM â 7:00PM. Dinner will be served at the Fire Station or you may take advantage of our convenient drive thru service.

Toys will be distributed to Fillmore children on Wednesday December 21th, 2:00pm at Fillmore Fire Station 91 located at 711 Sespe Place, Fillmore.

Hundreds of families in Fillmore struggle to put food on the table and pay rent each month leaving many without money to buy gifts during the holiday season. With your assistance you can help bring a smile to a childâs face this Holiday Season!

San Francisco, CA â Wells Fargo & Company announced today it is committing $35 million over the next three years as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting military service members and veterans. The commitment includes:

Real estate owned (REO) property donations and support valued at $30 million to qualifying nonprofits that serve military service members and veterans
Hiring and mentoring initiatives,
Customized financial education efforts, and
Funds for philanthropic donations and sponsorships.
In addition, November 14-30, Wells Fargo is providing its customers an opportunity to make donations through the companyâs more than 12,000 ATMs in support of military service members and veterans. Donations can be made at Wells Fargo ATMs across the U.S. (with the exception of Kansas, Missouri and Washington, D.C., due to local restrictions) to the USO, National Military Family Association and Homes for our Troops. Customers will not be charged any fees for using the service and 100 percent of the donations will go to the selected nonprofits. Prior to November 14, Wells Fargo is giving customers an opportunity to give to the American Red Cross Disaster Release Fund through its ATMs for relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.